London Wine Fair creates record number of session spots in 2019

The organisers of the London Wine Fair have announced a record number of session places for participants in this year’s edition.

(Photo: Anthony Upton)

It is estimated there will be more than 4,000 spaces across some 80 individual sessions in May 2019, an increase of 12% on 2018. Demand for places at bookable sessions outstripped supply last year, leading to the introduction of a new Masterclass Theatre and increased capacity in the Education Zone Theatre.

To date, the session attracting the most bookings is “Greek wines: indigenous varieties & fascinating terroirs”, which will be presented by wine writer and consultant, Yiannis Karakasis MW & Head Sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, Terry Kandylis.

“We have worked hard with our exhibitors and the wider industry to bring together a show absolutely unrivalled in content for 2019. This year’s offer will span topics relevant to anyone operating within the drinks sector, from buyers to business owners, to influencers, marketeers and beyond,” said Hannah Tovey, Head of London Wine Fair.

Building on the success of LWF 2018, the organisers have lined up a diverse and insightful mix of content, covering the latest – and future – drinks trends and issues facing the industry.

Highlights include: Industry Briefings; Masterclass Theatres; Walk-Up Tastings; The Innovation Zone; and W.S.E.T. Education Zone, as well as tutored tastings taking place on exhibitor stands.

One of the show’s most anticipated sessions is set to be: “An audience with Oz Clarke”. Friend and colleague, Charles Metcalfe will take on the role of interrogator as he elicits some of Oz’s best wine stories, (Monday 20th May: 2pm).

In addition, Xavier Rousset MS, co-owner of hospitality members club, TRADE, will present “TRADE’S Little Black Book Tasting” on Wednesday 22nd May, featuring wines from the venue’s secret list, which comprises small parcels of exclusive wines hunted out by owners Rousset and Gearoid Devaney MS.

Honomi Matsumoto, House of Sake, will also host a session on “Simplifying Sake: starting your professional journey.”

Oenophiles should also make time for Enotria’s series of on-stand tastings (C50), featuring top estate wines, sherries, spirits and more. These include a “Trimbach Back Vintage”, “The Riesling Hour” and “Aperitivo Hour”.

Visitors can pre-book places via www.londonwinefair.com; and will take place between Monday, 20th and Wednesday, 22nd May.